Colombia seeks more investment from the Caribbean

Colombia is considered one of the most attractive and secured countries to invest in Latin America.

Caribbean investors will find an ideal export platform in Colombia, which will allow them to reach the South American region.

PROCOLOMBIA - The high ratings of global firms, the GDP growth in the last five years and the time it takes to start a new business in Colombia, are some of the factors that have made this country the ideal place to invest and do business, Procolombia announced today. The Colombian government promotion agency, responsible for promoting foreign direct investment in Colombia, seeks to attract Caribbean investors who are looking to reach South America, as Colombia is a strategic export platform for the region.

According to FDI Markets, from 2003 to the first semester of 2014, the Caribbean market has conducted the highest number of FDI projects in Colombia, after Brazil. Colombia was ranked leader in terms of investor protection in the region.

“The legal and regulatory framework for FDI in Colombia, along with the specialized service offered in Procolombia, makes the process of investing in our country an easier one,” mentioned Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of Procolombia. “Moreover, our institution works to identify investment opportunities and guides investors during the entire process.”

Among the opportunities identified in Colombia for the Caribbean region are the Software, IT, and BPO industries, hotel and tourism infrastructure, the steel industry, petrochemicals, capital funds and construction materials. The government promotion agency aims to promote the benefits and incentives offered in Colombia for investment projects, and it’s actively seeking investors in the Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Trinidadian markets, among others.

“Our geographical location and signed agreements, such as the Pacific Alliance, have allowed us to become a platform for countries in the Caribbean that wish to enter the South American market.” said Lacouture.

Recently, the Japanese rating agency, Rating & Investment Inc., noted Colombia’s improved reputation thanks to its GDP growth of 4.8% in 2014 and increased the country’s rating from BBB- to BBB. This recognition is added to that of other major rating agencies in the world which have positively graded Colombia on BBB / Baa2 (Standard and Poors, Fitch and DBRS Rating & Investment / Moody's).

In addition to the firms’ recognition, international media such as Fortune, promote Colombia as the ideal environment for business due to its sustainable growth. This opinion is shared by IBM, which states that the country has a great potential for growth due to several social and economic indicators.

PROCOLOMBIA is the Colombian government agency in charge of promoting trade, investment, tourism and country brand. In order to obtain more information about investment and business opportunities in Colombia, please contact our office for the Caribbean Region. E-mail: caribe@procolombia.co. Tel: (786) 315-4260.